A PAIRED U-turn project at the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway-Jalan Sungai Pinang-Lebuh Sungai Pinang junction is expected to commence in September this year.
Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Gooi Zi Sen said the project would take about a year to complete.
“The open tender was called in June this year and the project is now undergoing the tender valuation.
“The estimated cost for the project is RM4.3 million and it will be borne by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP).
“We appreciate the effort taken to address the traffic congestion in this area.
“This project will benefit residents in Pengkalan Kota and Sungai Pinang,” Gooi told a press conference at the Sungai Pinang Food Court today.
Gooi said the RM4.3 million project includes road widening works, upgrading the traffic light system and drainage improvements.
“The dedicated lanes for U-turn, on both sides of the expressway, are for light vehicles only.
“This project is a short-term measure to address traffic congestion. The long-term traffic solution for Penangites is the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).
“The people want to see a change in our traffic system.
“Part of the state’s manifesto is to be able to provide the PTMP for the Penangites.
“The rakyat have given us their mandate with a higher majority to help them improve our traffic condition.
“The Penang government is taking a massive effort to address traffic issues,” he said.
Gooi said he proposed to the Penang government to carry out more public engagements.
“I proposed during the recent state legislative assembly.
“The public engagement is important for the state to listen to the ‘real’ voices of Penangites; rather than from certain individuals who are trying to drown these voices, sometimes, using some fake illustrations.
Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim said the dedicated lanes for U-turn would easily benefit more than 10,000 people living in Bandar Sri Pinang.
“The traffic at this road junction is very bad, especially during peak hours. The paired U-turn project can alleviate the congestion,” she said.
Present at the press conference were MBPP councillors Wong Yuee Harng, Gerald Mak and Theng Jie Wey. MBPP traffic engineer Yong Woo Soon was also present.
Story and pix by Christopher Tan